Astaxanthin (AX) is a powerful antioxidant useful as an anti-aging agent. However, it is unstable after isolation in the presence of oxygen. We, therefore, previously reported the effective stabilization of AX by complexation with γCD in combination with vitamin E (VE).
In this study, the enhancing effects of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of AX and VE by the complexation of γCD were investigated. The activity of the mixture of both AX and VE complexes was found to be three fold higher than that of the non-complexed mixture.

Astaxanthin Oil Extract

H.Pluvialis induces encystment (carotogenesis), during which the cells produce high levels of astaxanthin as a protective mechanism against the environmental stress. The cells, with their high concentrations of astaxanthin, are then harvested.
As promoted proliferation of Astaxanthin, the cells are changed from green to red. Commercially as a natural source, astaxanthin is extracted from this encystment.

Distribution of Astaxanthin

Classification

Organism

Region

Craniate

Ornis

Flamingo, Western Capercaillie

Feather

Amphibia

Cynops Pyrrhogaster

Abdominal Epidermis

Pisces

Cyprinidae, Pagrus Major

Epidermis

Salmonidae

Muscle, Egg

Invertebrata

Crustacea, Echinodermata

Body Surface

Univalve Shell

Egg

Plant (Terrestrial)

Anemone (Adonis annua)

Leaf

Plant (Algae)

Haematococcus Pluvialis、Euglena Heliorubescens

Cell

Yeast

Phaffia Rhodozyma

Bacteria

Agrobacterium Aurantiacum、Paracoccus Marcusii

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Antioxidant Activity of Astaxanthin

Singlet Oxygen Scavenging Activity

Compound

Rate Constants

Astaxanthin

5.4

β-Carotene

1.1

Vitamin E

0.049

Vitamin C

0.00089

Solvent：DMF/CDCl3 (9 : 1)

Astaxanthin acts as antioxidant across cell membrane with the inclusion of hydrophilic and hydrophobic, so it's a more powerful antioxidant than other compounds.